Cadillac Eldorado history 1956

1956 CADILLAC ELDORADO

The 1956 Cadillac line offered buyers a choice of Eldorados for the first time. The convertible returned with the name Biarritz (body style series # 6267SX) to set it apart from a new two-door hardtop companion called Seville (body style series # 6237DX). Both names were taken from historic -- and, of course, prestigious -- European cities, Seville in Spain and Biarritz in France. Styling changes common to both included the addition of a smart, twin-bladed hood ornament -- suitable for impaling unsuspecting pedestrians -- and a pair of ribbed chrome "saddles" on the door tops.

1956
Cadillac Eldorado

The Seville proved to be particularly popular, outselling the Biarritz by nearly 2 to 1 (3900 to 2150). Interestingly enough, their positions would be reversed within three years. Under the hood, the Cadillac V-8 was enlarged for the first time since 1949, with a 3/16-inch increase in bore (4.00-inch) and the same 3.63-inch stroke bringing swept volume to 365 cid. Compression was 9.75:1. Horsepower was rated at 305 at 4700 rpm for the two Eldorados, again 20 more than that of other models. The engine had two carburetors (rather than one for other models): Carter WCFB four-barrel Model 2371S.

1956
Cadillac Eldorado

Wheelbase=129 inches; overall length=222.2 inches; front tread=60 inches; rear tread=63.1 inches; tires=8.20x15 whitewall. The Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop was introduced to the public almost a month earlier (October 24, 1955) than other models which were introduced on November 18. The 1956 Hydra-Matic transmission incorporated changes that increased its size and smoothed out shifting qualities. It was developed by GM at a cost of $35 million.

CHASSIS

Feature	Series 62 Eldorado
Wheelbase	129"
Overall Length	222.2"
Front Tread	60"
Rear Tread	63.1"
Tires	8.20 x 15 whitewall
Exhaust	Dual exhaust

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Air conditioning.
White sidewall tires.
E-Z-Eye safety glass.
Autronic eye automatic headlamp dimmer.
Signal-seeking radio with preselector and antenna.
Heating and ventilation system.
Power window lifts (specific models).
Gold finish grille.
Two-way posture power seat ($81).
Six-way power seat ($97).
Other standard GM accessories available.
(Note: Posture power adjustable seat on convertible, DeVilles and Series 60S only. Six-way seat on 62 Coupe and sedan and standard for Eldorado).

HISTORICAL

The Cadillac Series 62 Sedan DeVille four-door hardtop and Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop were introduced to the public almost a month earlier than other models on October 24, 1955.
The remaining cars in the line were introduced the following month on November 18.
The 1956 Hydra-Matic transmission incorporated changes that increased its size and smoothed out shifting qualities.
It was developed by GM at a cost of $35 million.
The 1956 line set records in sales and production moving Cadillac from 10th to 9th position in the American sales race.
On Aug. 5, 1956 the division announced the purchase of the former Hudson Motor Car plant on Detroit's east end.

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